Tribecan Nelle Fortenberry Co-Authors Michael J. Fox's 'Back to the Future' Memoir

Fortenberry, Fox's longtime producing partner, reflects on their decades-long collaboration and the making of the iconic film.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tribecan Nelle Fortenberry has co-authored 'Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum,' Michael J. Fox's account of the making of the iconic film. Fortenberry, who is Fox's longtime producing partner and a founding board member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, discusses how she met Fox, their first project together on 'Spin City,' and the process of writing the 'Back to the Future' memoir to coincide with the 40th anniversary re-release of the movie.

Why it matters

The book provides an inside look at the challenges and creative process behind the making of the beloved 'Back to the Future' film, offering fans new insights and behind-the-scenes stories. Fortenberry's collaboration with Fox also highlights her remarkable career arc, from working at Amblin and NBC to running Fox's production company and co-founding the Parkinson's research foundation.

The details

Fortenberry first met Fox in 1996 when she was hired to run his production company. She was immediately impressed by his talent, leadership, and respect for the creative process. They went on to produce several TV projects together, including 'Spin City.' Fortenberry also worked closely with Fox on his previous memoirs and the new 'Back to the Future' book, which required compiling research, conducting interviews, and drafting chapters that captured Fox's voice. The book reveals challenges during the original film's production, such as the recasting of the lead role.

  • Fortenberry first met Fox in 1996 when she was hired to run his production company.
  • The 'Back to the Future' book was written to coincide with the 40th anniversary re-release of the iconic film.

The players

Nelle Fortenberry

Michael J. Fox's longtime producing partner and a founding board member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Michael J. Fox

An American actor known for his roles in 'Back to the Future' and 'Family Ties,' who has co-authored a memoir about the making of the iconic film.

Bob Zemeckis

The director and co-writer of the 'Back to the Future' film.

Bob Gale

The co-writer of the 'Back to the Future' film.

Chris Lloyd

The actor who played 'Doc' in the 'Back to the Future' film.

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What they’re saying

“When I was at NBC, the network aired the 25th anniversary broadcast of 'The Sound of Music' and I had the chance to chat with Julie Andrews. She said it was incredibly hard to make that film — so many of her personal memories were about the challenges, but she had refrained from telling those stories because people loved the movie so much, and they just wanted to hear that it was great.”

— Nelle Fortenberry (tribecacitizen.com)

“Chris Lloyd told us he was afraid of heights and did not want to be up on that precipice in the key Courthouse Square scene. Sounding very much like 'Doc,' Chris recounted how he told Bob Zemeckis that he's not doing it. That story cracked me up. Every time I watch it now I think about it.”

— Nelle Fortenberry (tribecacitizen.com)

What’s next

The paperback version of 'Future Boy' is set to be released in the fall, with some adjustments made based on the audiobook recording process. Fortenberry and Fox are also developing a new television project based on an event that happened to Fox before he was cast in 'Family Ties'.

The takeaway

Fortenberry's collaboration with Michael J. Fox over the past 25 years has allowed her to balance a fulfilling creative career with being present for her family, something she recognizes as a privilege in the entertainment industry. Their work together, including the new 'Back to the Future' memoir, provides unique insights into the making of a beloved classic while also highlighting Fortenberry's own remarkable professional journey.